Colorado leading in solar industry’s growth

New data from the Environment Colorado Research and Policy Center (ECRPC) shows that Colorado played an important role in the development and growth of the solar industry over the past few years. The report, entitled “Lighting the Way: The Top Ten States that Helped Drive America’s Solar Energy Boom in 2013,” reveals that Colorado experienced an 18 percent increase in solar energy use during 2013. This is largely due to the state and local governments’ investment in developing policy and initiatives that encourage continued expansion. Between 2011 and 2013, the solar industry nearly tripled across the nation. In the last 10 years, solar power has grown 120-fold, according to the Pagosa Daily Post. This year, solar energy is estimated to account for approximately 74 percent of all new electricity generation installations in the U.S. “Solar energy is emerging as a go-to energy option here in Colorado and across the country,” Charlotte Bromley, the field organizer for Environment Colorado, told the Pagosa Daily Post. “Thanks to the commitment of Colorado’s leaders, this pollution-free energy option is poised to play a major role in helping us meet our carbon emission reduction standards set by the Clean Power Plan.” The good news about the large-scale growth of the solar industry is that it decreases the price of solar installations for home and business owners. It also causes a surge in the number of green power jobs available, ranging from panel design to installation and maintenance. Not only are solar electric panels good for your wallet, they’re also great for the environment, with a carbon emission output of zero. In fact, the report from the ECRPC states that the solar industry creates 96 percent less pollution than coal plants. To be a part of the solar revolution, contact Golden Solar today!